The MAS in Dance Science at the University of Bern is a continuing education program offered by the Institute of Sport Science. It addresses the training, lifestyle, and performance of professional dancers, as well as the effects of dance activities on various population groups. The program aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing academically solid dance studies covering a broad range of topics in dance science and research.
The program comprises three certificates from the University of Bern that can also be completed separately:
To obtain the MAS diploma (60 ECTS), participants need these three certificates, an additional module in research methods, and a master thesis. The program involves 70 course days (ca. 500 contact hours) and 60 ECTS-points (ca. 1800 working hours in total). The teaching language is English.
Graduates of the MAS in Dance Science will be qualified to develop effective interventions for performance enhancement and health optimization of dance professionals, integrate scientific training principles into dance training, develop dance programs for various demographic groups, interpret research in dance science, design research projects, and critically assess research developments.
The program targets dance professionals, artistic directors, human movement scientists, physical education teachers, physiotherapists, and experts in medicine, psychology, pedagogy, nutrition, biology, and biomechanics.
Graduates can improve training and health of dancers, collaborate in scientific research, teach Dance Science principles, advise directors of dance companies and schools, advise leaders of senior care facilities, and continue working as better-informed dancers, teachers, or therapists.
The MAS candidates complete modules in Research Methods/Master colloquium, including blocks on applying statistics to the field of Dance Science and Master colloquium. They also write a master thesis in an area of dance science.
Assessment includes attendance at block weekends, a written exam on research methods, a Master thesis, and an oral presentation of the master thesis.